Advent, Luke 1:26-38

Impossible Things, Part II 

Luke 1:26-38

We are called to focus on and believe in the impossible, when we believe in Christ and the events surrounding His first coming. The story here in Luke covers the facts, but between the lines we read the glorious news of God’s redemption, and the power of His love for us. It is His love that raises a humble girl, Mary, and an elderly woman, Elizabeth, into pivotal roles through which come both the Messiah and one in the spirit and power of Elijah. It is His love for us that sent Gabriel on this holy mission to tell a virgin that the Messiah is coming, and through her.

I am always amazed and humbled by Mary’s reaction to the angel Gabriel’s news. There was a profound work of grace in Mary’s life, and it is especially evident here in Luke. In these short twelve verses, we hear of an astounding, impossible work that God is setting into motion. And Mary, a young woman, still an innocent, accepts this plan by openly and trustingly giving of herself. I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful picture of the Church’s trust, as a bride, in the love of the Bridegroom. 

Mary’s trust and acceptance provides quite a contrast to Zachariah’s disbelief in the previous verses. While this woman-child was shocked and bemused at first, wondering how all of this could come to pass, she quickly responded with a servant-hearted attitude. In fact, the term she used for servant was also used for slave, but truly meant a lifetime commitment. Little did she know that she was emulating the Son of God and Man, for even He came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

Nought, nought, dear Lord, could move Thee

    To leave Thy rightful place

Save love, for which I love Thee;

    A love that could embrace

A world where sorrow dwelleth,

    Which sin and suffering fill,

More than the tongue e'er telleth;—

    Yet Thou couldst love it still!

(Ah! Lord, How Shall I Meet Thee; An Advent Hymn by Paul Gerhardt, 1653)

As we celebrate Christ’s birth, let us, with Mary’s childlike faith, rest in the promises that He has made, and the plan that He has for our lives. Let us love one another, and through the impossible, precious love of Christ, bind ourselves more closely with His identity. For our Lord said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). 

Let us echo Mary, when God’s prophecy over us seems strange or impossible, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). And before the pace of this Christmas season distracts you from Him, bring these things to mind, for He who testifies says “Surely, I am coming soon”, and our response should rightly be: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelations 22:20).

Advent, Non-Serious Version, Luke 1:1-25

Luke 1:1-25

“Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast” Lewis Carroll’s book, Alice in Wonderland.  I would not like to emulate this character in other ways, after all, “Off with his head!” is really not a good coping mechanism for stress.  But I do believe that we are called to focus on and believe in the impossible, when we believe in Christ, and the events surrounding His first coming.  And starting before breakfast certainly sets a trend for a faith-filled day!

Zachariah was called to believe an impossibility that directly impacted his own life.  He was in a holy place, the Temple, burning incense to the Lord and praying.  Then, with a fear and awe-inspiring visit from the angel Gabriel, Zachariah was asked to believe that he and his wife, both past child-bearing years, would have a child.  And what a child!  He would be the cause of rejoicing; filled with the Holy Spirit from birth; a forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah; making ready a people for the coming Lord (Luke 1:13-17). 

So many unbelievable, impossible things! Words from an angel were ringing in his ears even as the incense from the Temple wreathed Zachariah’s head with scented smoke.  Yet what did Zachariah doubt?  His own flesh and age.  And he, a descendant from Abraham and Sarah, questioned God’s ability to bring forth life from an aging womb!  

I am certain that I would not do better than Zachariah, but what if, every time we were given prophecy over our own lives, we answered with doubting questions and excuses as to why it wouldn’t work?  And what if, whenever we questioned, our mouths were made mute and our powers of speech were taken away?  Was Zachariah made mute so he would learn to be still, and know that God is God, and he is not (Psalm 46:10)?  Was it so that Zachariah would meditate on God’s abilities for nine long months before his faith was made complete?  

But we have a ballast of belief in the impossibly wondrous things that are listed in scripture.  For faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).  And so, before breakfast and the pace of this Christmas season distracts you from Him, bring these things to mind.  And rejoice!  For He who has come, is coming again!

Advent, Serious Version, Luke 1:1-25

Impossible Things, Part I

Luke 1:1-25

As I’ve read Luke’s account, I have often wondered why he would begin with John’s coming, instead of the Messiah, Jesus’ coming.  And other than the obvious chronological aspect, I had not given it more than a passing thought, until I began to learn more about the prophecy in Malachi.  According to this prophecy, the Messiah could not come until Elijah had come (Malachi 4:5-6).  And since Elijah had been taken up into heaven via chariot of fire, the priests and Jewish leaders of that day expected him to return in the same shocking manner. (The Ante Nicene Fathers, Vol. 1, records a conversation between a believer, Justin Martyr, and a rabbi Trypho in 100 A.D. that highlights the dismissive attitude Jewish leaders held towards Jesus, due to John’s physical birth; it’s a fascinating read!) 

So this man, Zachariah, was called to believe two impossible things, one that truly upset the beliefs of that day, and a second that directly impacted his own life.  He was in a holy place, the Temple, burning incense to the Lord and praying.  Then, with fear and awe, he receives a visit from the angel Gabriel.  Zachariah was then told that he and his wife, both past child-bearing years, would have a child.  And what a child!  He would be the cause of rejoicing; filled with the Holy Spirit from birth; a forerunner in the spirit and power of Elijah, making ready a people for the coming Lord (Luke 1:13-17).

Yet of which two impossible things did Zachariah speak his doubt?  That Elijah was coming?  No, he spoke his disbelief that he could have a child at his advanced age.  And he, a descendant from Abraham and Sarah, questioned God’s ability to bring forth life from an aging womb! 

How often do we doubt our own abilities, instead of trusting in God’s fulfillment of these impossible things?  But God was faithful, no matter Zachariah’s doubt, and brought forth both life from a barren womb, and a man with the spirit and power of Elijah; filling John with the Holy Spirit from birth. And by this, fulfilling the prophecy through John that Elijah had come, and that the Messiah was coming!  As confirmation, Matthew wrote that as Jesus was coming down from the mount of Transfiguration, he addressed the disciple’s question about the fulfillment of Malachi 4:5: 

And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?”  He answered,  “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things.  But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased.  So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.”  Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist. (Matthew 17:10-13)

And our ballast of belief in the impossibly wondrous things that are written in scripture is in His words.  For faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).  Let us hold fast to these impossible things, for they are right and true!  And have hope in the prophecy that is spoken over all our lives.  For He who has come, is coming again!

An Email to my Thursday Ladies

The Lord is doing a good work and, bear with me, I've just got to preach it to somebody! 

(Can I get an "Amen sister!")

Turn in your bibles to Nehemiah 8:10. 

Now Nehemiah and Ezra and the Levites had just read God's law aloud to the Israelites. It had been forgotten for generations and, when they heard it, they were all convicted for the first time in their lives. They heard about a holy, holy ("he's not a tame lion") God and were weeping because their hearts were broken by conviction and repentance. 

So, everybody pull out the sackcloth and ashes, right?

No! God calls for rejoicing!

"And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.
"Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
"So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them." (Nehemiah 8:9-12 ESV)

Amazing, isn't it? I am amazed. :) God will never let us go, and for that I am so thankful. He keeps on us until we see and understand. Then, once we do, he gives us a command to rejoice! Rejoice before this holy God who has worked the miracle of salvation and then made us holy! 

God is just stunning. 

Love you all! :) 

"Oh my goodness gracious..."

That's what my 3 year old said today. "Oh my goodness gracious" echoed from the many times that he has heard me say it. He said it while coming down the hall for breakfast and my husband and I simultaneously looked at each other and laughed.

My eldest has been entertaining us with some really great and clever remarks recently. While eating yogurt, he told his utensils: "Sorry Fork, this is a job for Spoon." He also has become very proficient in the use of the words "because" and "why". Most often he uses them together. And asks again after every explanation which leads to quite a string of information. Until finally, I have to say the much used Mommy Sentence "Because I said so."

And my second born has been entertaining us in an even more frightening way. He is quite the daredevil and has no fear. He isn't afraid of high slides, or climbing the monkey bars (not that he can, but he tries), nor is he afraid of swimming. When dunked under water he comes up spluttering and laughing.

I love them. :)